Americans should think twice before providing their biometric data to WorldCoin, a cryptocurrency created by the entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Sam Altman. This protocol utilizes what is termed Orbs — silver, melon-sized balls that scan a person's retina to obtain their biometric data. Proponents of WorldCoin use a sales pitch that goes, "If you scan your irises, you will get cryptocurrency that isn't traded on an open marketplace."

However, living in the United States has a big drawback when it comes to obtaining cryptocurrencies through WorldCoin. It is likely that the US Securities and Exchange Commission would classify WorldCoin as a security, and therefore people in the United States are not offered cryptocurrency. The only incentive they get is the product itself; the process of being able to verify if someone is a real person versus an AI-created fake in a world dominated by AI fidates.

Despite this, shockingly, over one million people have already authorized WorldCoin access to their biometric data. This raises questions about their intentions and raises questions about data privacy.

The bottom line is that, unless you get something tangible in return, like tokens or cryptocurrency, the only advantage you get is the product itself. But considering the private company (under the lighthearted name Tools for Humanity) is likely going to show control over your uniquely personal data, it may not be worth it. Hence, Americans should use caution before agreeing to their biometric data to join WorldCoin.



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